This is probably one of the most unpleasant experiences out there, getting a splinter. The first removal attempt might end up burying it deeper inside. Having a foreign substance lurking under the skin might prove worrisome to many. After all, it could spread infection around the affected area. Before your thoughts spiral, we’re here to show you various ways to get that pesky splinter removed. Stick around to get the easiest methods on how to get a splinter out.

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Splinters can be painful, but if removed improperly can be even more painful. The good news is that there are several proven methods to get a splinter out. Without further ado, let’s look at each removal technique.

Tweezers might be the first solution on your mind when you have a splinter. However, Taking some precautions is needed before using this method.

First off, try to keep the area sanitized by either washing the affected area with soap and water or using sanitizer. The main concern is keeping the splintered region dry to avoid any slipperiness.

Next, check the splinter and look which way it went through, so it can be taken out of the same entryway. Now, it’s time to finally bust out the tweezers.

To keep things clean, make sure the tweezers are sanitized. If the chip is protruding out of the skin, grab that exposed part and gently pull it away. Then, apply petroleum jelly to the irritated area after cleaning it up.

As a rule of thumb, never push the splinter when it’s under the skin. Otherwise, it’ll be risking breaking it apart into smaller fragments, doubling the problem.

Once again, make sure the splintered area is free from bacteria after a good wash or sanitation.

In some cases, the whole splinter might be fully submerged under the skin. While it makes it trickier to get out, it’s still doable.

Get a small clean needle ready and poke it through the skin. This might be hard to do with a naked eye, so we suggest grabbing a magnifying glass for a better view. You might also need a friend’s help with this one.

After forcing part of the splinter out with the needle, get the tweezers and carefully draw the whole chip out of the skin.

The whole process might leave the skin irritated. We recommend giving your hands a good wash and maybe covering the splintered region with a band-aid for extra measure.

In this method, nail clippers will be used. At first, it might seem like a bad idea since it’d be running the risk of cutting off the splintered end that’s sticking out.

When used correctly, it can be a game-changer. This technique is best used if the splinter is completely under the skin. First, make the nail clipper parallel to the splinter and try to puncture through that skin layer to grab hold and haul off the chip.

It’s best to use this splinter removal method with a friend to help out since it might hurt a bit more than the other ways.

This might be the last item you might think of for removing a sharp object out of the skin, but don’t knock it till you try it. Yes, we’re talking about tape and not just any kind, either duct or packing tape will work best.

Before you proceed to peel out the tape, leave the splintered part soaked in water for a bit. This will ensure a softer working area.

Now, pat everything dry so the tape can properly stick. Remember, this method is ideal if the splinter is already sticking out.

Initially, get a strip of the tape and stick it to the bare splinter part. Not so fast. You have to wait around half an hour before slowly taking it off.

As the tape is softly detaching, be sure to move it to the opposite direction it’s sticking out of. You should then be able to see the piece sticking to the tape.

You might be thinking, when would this method be most useful? Well, children tend to catch lots of splinters from playing around. We all know how they get around any sharp objects near their skin. That’s why the tape method is perfect for children.

This means of splinter removal involves a bit more science. You’ll need to make a paste with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with water.

The formula should then be smeared all over the splintered area and covered with a bandage for over a day. Your initial thought is probably, how does this work?

Well, it’s simple. The skin has layers of epidermis where the splinter is perched in. With the solution lying against the skin, it’ll be eventually absorbed and become slightly inflated. This is done with the power of osmotic pressure.

The inflation will then push the splinter outward, closer to the outermost layer of your skin, making it much easier to extract using other tools like tweezers and needles.

5 Ways to Get a Splinter Out

In most cases, the splinter might just naturally be removed as the skin continues to shed away. On the other hand, the affected skin might experience an allergic reaction. Try to take notice of swelling, general discoloration, or prolonged pain in the area. In the latter’s situation, we highly recommend leaving it to professional medical advice.

What Happens if You Ignore a Splinter?

No one likes a splinter. Nevertheless, the sooner you get it out the better. After all, you wouldn’t want to gamble with an infection. By following one of the methods mentioned, that splinter will be as good as gone. Just remember to be patient and avoid rushing the process. A splinter will be the least of your worries then.

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How to Get a Splinter Out

5 Ways to Get a Splinter Out

What Happens if You Ignore a Splinter?

To Conclude